"Everything was done by hand": Box Hill fashion students show off their skills
Representatives from Melbourne Fashion Festival, Supré, and Converse attended Box Hill Institute's annual fashion parade late last year.
Astrid Jian
January 15, 2025
In the closing stages of 2024, Box Hill Institute’s Bachelor of Design students dazzled industry professionals and fashion enthusiasts alike as part of the college’s annual fashion parade.
There was no shortage of innovation and talent gracing the stage: standout designs included 2024 graduate Lilly Cavallin’s recycled automobile leather pieces and Melbourne Fashion Week winner (and 2024 graduate) Nam Tran’s collection which incorporated traditional Vietnamese basket weaving and hand-beading techniques.
The “Odyssey” themed show featured designs from first-year students to graduates, and the showcase was integral to the hands-on approach which TAFE providers like Box Hill Institute provide.
Speaking to the Eastern Melburnian, Lilly Cavallin said she appreciated the practical, skills-based learning experience at TAFE, where the approach is more hands-on and less theoretical.
“I chose Box Hill Institute because I loved how they offered more of the practical side of learning, where it wasn’t only just book work,” she said.
“We actually had set study hours, which was fully on the machine.
“Everything was done by hand, so it gave me that greater knowledge.”
In fact, students from various disciplines contributed to the event in some shape or form - the backstage was alight with chatter as the hair and makeup students prepared each model, and live entertainment by the Box Hill Institute music students set the tone for the evening while bouquets by the floristry students accompanied a bridal wear runway.
The event was attended by industry leaders, including representatives from Melbourne Fashion Festival, Supré, and Converse - with Supré and Converse also lending accessories to the show itself.
Course manager Kylee Mitchell said students had the opportunity to work with local and international fashion brands through internships the Institute helps set up.
Lilly said she had a lot of fun on the night networking with industry professionals.
“It was an amazing night to showcase my collection,” she said.
Anyone interested in studying at Box Hill Institute can attend Talk ‘n’ Tours events on the campus, where you can talk to teachers and get a tour of the facilities. The next round of Talk ‘n’ Tours on Tuesday 21st January and Thursday 23rd January, situated at their Box Hill and Lilydale campuses respectively.
The show marks the end of another successful year for Box Hill Institute’s fashion design students. The tearful speeches, generous applause, and proud smiles at the night’s end made one thing clear: the future of Melbourne’s fashion scene is brighter than ever.